Session Information
Date: Monday, September 23, 2019
Session Title: Physical and Occupational Therapy
Session Time: 1:45pm-3:15pm
Location: Les Muses Terrace, Level 3
Objective: To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Pre-Active PD and HD interventions for increased physical activity (PA) engagement in people with early Parkinson’s disease (PD) (H & Y stages I & II) and Huntington’s disease (HD) (pre-manifest and early manifest, TFC >9).
Background: Growing evidence supports PA and exercise as central to managing symptoms in PD and HD. While disease-specific exercise programs are well developed, there is a need for therapist-delivered coaching to facilitate and motivate people with PD and HD to engage in regular exercise, in order to make PA a habit in their lifestyle.
Method: A single arm cohort feasibility study was conducted over 4 months with embedded process analyses. The coaching sessions were conducted by an occupational or physical therapist and included 4-6 individual (remote or in-person) sessions that provided directed support regarding PA and exercise habits. Fitbits were provided as a tool for motivation and tracking of progression. Outcome measures included PA levels, exercise motivation (BREQ-2), self-efficacy, physical performance (6 MWT), and cognitive function (Stroop Color-Word Interference).
Results: 84 individuals were approached. 14 HD and 13 PD participants (mean (SD) age 54(15) yrs) were recruited. Four individuals were lost to follow up with an adherence rate of 87%. Preliminary findings from 10 HD and 8 PD participants showed Fitbits were worn an average of 99.1(17.5) days, with average wear time 94.8(7.8)% of days. Average step count at week one was 9598(3273) steps and 10137(2737) in the last week. Mean summary scores for baseline and follow-up are as follows: Brunel measure of planned PA for PD at 4.1(.37) and 4.6(.25); unplanned PA at 2.25(.42) and 2.6(.76); Norman self-efficacy for PD at 67.8(12.6) and 69.3(11.0); Lorig self-efficacy for HD at 9.6(0.9) and 10(0); BREQ-2 at 32.9(9.8) and 36.07(7.6); 6MW at 461.98(73) and 427.2(150.3); Stroop at 41.4(11.6) and 46.8(17.8).
Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest the Pre-Active PD and HD interventions may be feasible to implement in people with early stage PD and HD.
References: 1) Busse M, Quinn L, Dawes H, et al. Supporting physical activity engagement in people with Huntington’s disease (ENGAGE-HD): study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Trials. 2014;15:487. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-487. 2) Markland, D. & Tobin, V. A modification of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire to include an assessment of amotivation. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2004. 26:191-196. 3) Quinn L, Trubey R, Gobat N, et al. Development and Delivery of a Physical Activity Intervention for People With Huntington Disease: Facilitating Translation to Clinical Practice. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2016;40(April):1-10. doi:10.1097/NPT.0000000000000119. 4) Wilson, P.M., Rodgers, W.M., Loitz, C.C., & Scime, G. “It’s who I am…really!” The importance of integrated regulation in exercise contexts. Journal of Biobehavioral Research. 2016. 11:79-104.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
K. Long Ms, M. Caciula Phd, C. Friel Edd, L. Quinn Edd. Feasibility and acceptability of a therapist-delivered physical activity coaching intervention for people with premanifest and early stage Huntington’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2019; 34 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/feasibility-and-acceptability-of-a-therapist-delivered-physical-activity-coaching-intervention-for-people-with-premanifest-and-early-stage-huntingtons-disease-and-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed June 14, 2025.« Back to 2019 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/feasibility-and-acceptability-of-a-therapist-delivered-physical-activity-coaching-intervention-for-people-with-premanifest-and-early-stage-huntingtons-disease-and-parkinsons-disease/